Two young bricklaying apprentices from CHAP Construction have picked up top awards in Aberdeen College's 2008 Construction Crafts Awards scheme.

Ashley Forbes, 22, received the stage one bricklaying award, while his colleague, Allan Douglas, 21, was awarded the stage two bricklaying prize as well as the Grampian Construction Training Group Trophy.

Ashley, who comes from Oldmeldrum, has worked for CHAP for eighteen months, while Allan, who stays in Aberdeen, has been with the company for three-and-a-half years. Both work at CHAP's various construction sites across the North-east.

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The group currently employs 10 apprentices, with a further three younger members of staff currently undertaking construction design and management courses and two more having recently started a new general building operative training initiative at Aberdeen College.

CHAP Construction Director, Jim Young, believes the apprenticeship and training schemes in place at the CHAP Group will help play a vital role in the future growth and success of the company.

He said: "Young skilled tradesmen are obviously key employees for the group and we understand the importance of continuing to introduce new blood into the construction industry, and provide them with relevant training through the apprenticeship process.

"Initiatives like the award scheme recognise talented craftsmen in the North-east and we are delighted that Allan and Ashley have secured these prizes. Their success proves that the continued investment in our apprenticeship scheme is undoubtedly time and money well spent and we offer both Allan and Ashley our warmest congratulations."

(GK/JM)